NATIONAL NIGHT OUT – AUGUST 5
Each year, National Night Out traditionally occurs in most states on the first Tuesday in August. (In some parts of the country it is observed on October 7.)
The purpose of National Night Out, which is organized in conjunction with various police organizations nationwide, is to inform the public about various police and community programs. Drug prevention initiatives, organizing a town watch, or even tips on how to burglar proof your home are just some of the educational highlights of a typical National Night Out gathering.
National Night Out was first established in 1984 by Matt Peskin of the National Association of Town Watch. The first National Night Outs were fairly simple. In most communities, it amounted to "lights on" vigils and some basic information being delivered to the community. The events were quite popular and attracted more than 2 million participants in both Canada and the United States.
Today, National Night Out draws in over 37 million people from over ten thousand different communities across North America - and the event has changed in other ways, too.
Now, the focus of National Night Out is on bringing neighbors and communities together with festivals, block parties, cookouts, parades, and various other events as ways come together on National Night Out.
To join in the serious fun, contact your local police precinct or check their website or Facebook page for more information.
If you are looking for ideas for your community, check here for tips and guidelines on how to bring a fun National Night Out to your neighborhood. A few ideas: potlucks, ice cream socials, book exchanges, carnival games, etc.
There's no better way to fight crime than with community spirit -- as a neighborhood comes together as one -- at least for one night!